by Sam Powell with Lane Carter
Using voice, touch and body language, Powell unlocks that special communication between horse and rider that makes them a partnership. His philosophy: you can teach a horse best by asking and listening to the horse's response. Learn the three essential keys to becoming a better horseman. Essential reading for anyone who wants to better understand and work with horses.
Want to develop a solid partnership with your horse? Teach him practical skills like loading in a trailer without fuss? The author teaches you how to really understand your horse and handle him safely.
- Three keys to maintaining a horse’s respect
- How to tell if your horse has a physical problem that’s causing him to act up
PUBLISHER’S COMMENTS
Powell’s clinics have received rave reviews from attendees.
REVIEWS
“This book should be required reading for both professionals and amateurs in all riding disciplines” (Jane Savoie)
AUTHOR’S COMMENTS
Almost a Whisper is the result of over forty years spent observing and studying the horse culture. Its purpose is to teach you, the reader, to take a more holistic approach to working with your equine friends. After reading it, I hope you will consider all aspects of horse ownership—from knowing a horse’s mind to effectively managing his pasture—with the horse’s natural viewpoint in mind. I hope that when you go to buy a saddle you will not just look at the pretty saddle on the tack shop rack but at how that saddle will fit and work for your particular horse. When you have a horse problem I want you to think it through from the horse’s standpoint and give him the time to understand exactly what you want from him. That is what this book is about: helping you see the whole picture from the horse’s point of view.
Almost a Whisper is designed to be read slowly, thoughtfully, and all the way through front to back. If you skip around you will miss important concepts on which other concepts are built. As you begin to put these methods to work, be patient and reward every minuscule attempt your horse makes to do it right. Remember: A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Happy whispering!
Sam Powell, July 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acknowledgments
Foreword
Introduction
Chapter 1
Man Versus Horse: A Cultural Experience
Chapter 2
Horse Whispering: Understanding the Language of the Horse
Chapter 3
Respect and Trust: Laying the Relationship Foundation
Chapter 4
Teaching and Training: Understanding the Basics
Chapter 5
Horseman or Trainer: Which One for You?
Chapter 6
Pet, Slave, or Companion: Which One for Your Horse?
Chapter 7
Troubleshooting: Eliminating the Cause of the Problem
Chapter 8
Commonly Asked Questions
Afterword
Sources of Information
About the Author
Index
